Sahyadri Conservation Series: 8 |
ENVIS Technical Report: 37, January 2012 |
 |
Anuran Diversity and Distribution in Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve |
 |
|
Conservation and Management
Conservation and Management Guidelines for Amphibians at DATR
Conservation and management needs for Amphibians of the Western Ghats are discussed in length over the years (Gururaja, 2002; 2004; Das et al., 2006; Ali et al., 2007; Gururaja et al., 2008). There is a need for guidelines on these issues, especially for the forest managers, who in fact have more access and accountability of the protected areas. This part of the document deals with conservation management guidelines, keeping amphibians as focal organism.
Anthropogenic changes in land-use like habitat alteration, fragmentation and forest loss are considered to be the primary challenge in the conservation of amphibians. Human populations are ever expanding, needing more and more land for various activities at local scale leading to alteration, fragmentation and loss of pristine forest habitats. This is considered to be the primary issue for the decline of amphibian populations worldwide. A proactive approach for minimizing the impact of such activities and to improve upon existing habitat is the key for conservation of amphibians. These guidelines are not regulations, nor to limit or curtail the activities of forest officials.
Landscape approach based on hydrological regime of DATR will help long term conservation and management of the amphibians. Anuran amphibians of DATR use streams, wetlands, and forest habitats in a very complex manner for breeding, feeding and resting. In addition, majority of amphibians are highly seasonal, having their breeding span spread only in the rainy period. This calls for a better understanding of natural history of these animals, their seasonal movement between habitats, and the natural dynamics of the habitats themselves, which are quintessential in landscape based conservation effort.
For amphibians, water bodies (lentic or lotic) play major role in breeding, egg laying (spawning), tadpole development and foraging, hiding place from predators and thermoregulations, where as terrestrial habitats help in foraging, movement (dispersal), resting place and escape from floods.
The following guidelines are suggested within DATR for maintenance and enhancing habitat quality
- Limit motorized vehicle transit within the DATR during rainy seasons, specifically during monsoon. Amphibians are generally active during night and more so during rainy seasons when they breed. Limiting the motorized vehicle within DATR, either in numbers or in speed would certainly decrease the number of road kills of amphibians in DATR.
- Maintain native vegetation where ever possible (e.g., near Patoli cross, there is native evergreen patch, maintain this patch as it is) and where it is absent, restore native vegetation both in structure and composition. As far as possible avoid introducing/planting exotic species, if management regime permits, remove them and replace plantation of exotic species with native plant species. This is more pertinent to defunct mining areas, which are now planted with Acacia. It could have been better, if native tree species were planted here.
- Protect from expansion of roads, agriculture fields and any other developmental activity. These activities are disruptive to amphibians and they generally fragment, degrade and reduce habitats of amphibians.
- Amphibians are very much dependent on natural hydrology of an area, hence, maintain and restore natural hydrology. This allows natural evolution of stream dynamics and associated vegetation. Natural flood cycles are important for maintaining amphibian population as also their prey and predator populations too.
- There are agriculture fields within DATR, hence there must a monitoring on the usage of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, which are proved to be detrimental amphibian population.
- Provide conservation related education materials to farmers, campers, hikers and people who frequent DATR. Batracharium is one such area, where people can watch exclusive for frogs (detailed in Part I). Educating and creating awareness about amphibians among school children who are residing inside and nearby areas (Dandeli, Kulgi, Anshi, Joida, Ambikanagaretc), which can also be extended to all people in and around DATR.
- Grass lands and defunct mining areas needs special attention and continued monitoring for amphibian diversity.
- Research on anuran amphibians over a long time period, with a proper objective, highlighting hydrology related issues must be supported and continued in future.
|
|
|